Eminent feminist writer, Rajam Krishnan, one of the first to write on female infanticide in the state, said she met several mothers who were full of remorse when they told her why they had to kill their child.

But the head of Tamil Nadu's Women's Commission, Vasanthi Devi, said mothers could not be exonerated.

She said the girl child's right to live could not be ensured if a deterrent punishment was removed.

The commission has, however, recommended milder punishment.

Rights activists say even milder punishment could leave the mother with social stigma and cause severe psychological problems.